Health, education, economic, and human services are coming together at Delmar Divine, a groundbreaking initiative designed to eliminate the racial and economic divide in St. Louis City. Located along the historic Delmar Boulevard, often referred to as the “racial divide” corridor, this innovative project is revitalizing the predominantly African American community north of the divide.
Breathing New Life into St. Luke’s Hospital
The Delmar Divine project has transformed the former St. Luke’s Hospital at 5501 Delmar Blvd., a building with a rich history dating back to 1904. After sitting vacant since 2014, the facility now serves as a state-of-the-art hub for nonprofits, businesses, and residents. The renovation includes:
- 30 nonprofit tenants in spacious office spaces
- A minority incubator
- Retail operations
- 150 residential apartments for low-income and professional tenants
- A gym and 20 conference rooms
In addition to these features, future plans include Deli Divine, a black-owned pharmacy, a St. Louis Community Credit Union branch, and an Edward Jones office. Partners such as Washington University, the Brown School, and the Center for Human Service Leadership have played a crucial role in the project’s success.
Maxine Clark: The Visionary Behind Delmar Divine
Maxine Clark, the retired CEO and founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop, is the driving force behind Delmar Divine. Her vision focuses on empowering communities and addressing systemic issues like poverty, childcare, health inequities, and economic opportunities.
“At Build-A-Bear, we would say, ‘hug a bear,’” Clark explains. “Now let’s hug a neighborhood. As a hospital, this was a place for caring for people – we’re bringing that back.”
Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
Clark ensured that the project supported local black-owned businesses. Clayco Inc. served as the general contractor for the renovation, and many subcontractors were black-owned firms. Additionally, the security and cleaning services for the facility are provided by black-owned companies, further boosting the local economy.
iFM Community Medicine: Bridging Healthcare Gaps
One of the key tenants at Delmar Divine is iFM Community Medicine, a nonprofit healthcare organization that partners with schools, shelters, and social service agencies to deliver healthcare directly to underserved populations.
“We bridge gaps to healthcare by eliminating the typical barriers of transportation, cost, and, in many cases, fear and distrust of the traditional healthcare system,” says Dr. David Campbell, founder and CEO of iFM Community Medicine.
Addressing Healthcare Inequities
iFM focuses on providing care to children, youth, and adults who face poverty or are escaping abusive situations. By collaborating with trusted community organizations, iFM ensures that healthcare is both accessible and effective for those who need it most.
Community Impact and Future Goals
Maxine Clark shared her vision for Delmar Divine during a presentation hosted by the Spirit of St. Louis Women’s Fund (SOS). This organization has invested over $3.1 million in small nonprofits across St. Louis since 2007. Clark, a member of SOS, emphasized the importance of collective efforts to drive meaningful change in the community.
For more information about Delmar Divine, visit www.delmardivine.com.
Related Topics and Resources
Explore how urban redevelopment projects are transforming cities at Urban Institute.
Learn more about community-driven initiatives in St. Louis on The Narrative Matters.
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